HUGH SHERIDAN
The actor and singer, 34, is set to strip off for a new stage production of musical Hair (commences at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth, on Thu., Aug. 22, before touring nationally). Sheridan tells WHO about the big reveal and what else he has coming up.
What appealed to you about appearing in Hair?
I’ve always had a strange connection to Hair. My family friend Paula Maxwell played Sheila in the original production. Years later, I met Michael Butler, who was the original producer on Broadway. We became great friends – he’d open the door in a kaftan and holding his massive cat, Loki.
How familiar are you with the show? And what’s your favourite song from it?
I was cast as Claude in another anniversary production in Los Angeles that fell over, so I’m happy to finally be doing it, only now I’m playing Berger. I love ‘Aquarius’ – we’re actually now really in the age of Aquarius.
The big question: are you prepared for Hair’s famous nude scene? 100 per cent, I’m ready.
You stay in shape, which must make things like taking your clothes off for work less nerve-racking?
I’m assuming anyone that’s watching will probably be looking at one thing when they see the nude scene – so no, it’s still scary AF. In between Five Bedrooms, Hair, and the upcoming The Real Dirty Dancing, 2019 is shaping up to be a busy year for you. What do you look for in a project these days?
Generally, I just look for something different – a new character or a new style. These are all very different projects. Hair is the most scary job I’ve had in a long time.
What else have you got coming up?
A couple of TV shows in Australia (still not confirmed), hopefully a stage show in New York straight after Hair and then a stage show in Australia. When you haven’t signed a contract it’s always possible it won’t happen, so you learn as an actor not to get too excited.